Ertstag

• Type: Historical Event / Political Ideology
• Adherents: Gellert Grindelwald
• Maker: Believed to have originated with Gellert Grindelwald

The Ertstag is not a physical object, but a German festival or ideological concept mentioned by Bathilda Bagshot. It is intrinsically linked to the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald and his rise to power. The term itself is German, suggesting a connection to Grindelwald's activities on the European continent, particularly in Germany where he established his prison, Nurmengard.

As a concept, the Ertstag's primary “usage” was likely as a rallying point for Gellert Grindelwald's followers. It appears to represent the dawning of a new era, one where wizards would no longer live in hiding but would take their “rightful place” ruling over Muggles. This ideology was encapsulated in Grindelwald's slogan, “For the Greater Good,” which was tragically and briefly shared by a young Albus Dumbledore. The Ertstag likely served as a name for events, gatherings, or the movement itself, signifying the “first day” of this new wizarding world order.

The term is known exclusively through a letter written by Lily Potter to Sirius Black, which Harry Potter discovers at 12 Grimmauld Place. In the letter, Lily mentions that their neighbor in Godric's Hollow, Bathilda Bagshot, has been telling her fascinating stories about Albus Dumbledore's youth. Bathilda told Lily that Dumbledore's friendship with Gellert Grindelwald was a “terrible shock” to many, and specifically mentions that Grindelwald was “talking about the Ertstag.” This indicates that Grindelwald was already formulating and promoting his revolutionary ideas during the summer he spent in Godric's Hollow with his great-aunt Bathilda. It was during this time that he and Dumbledore became close and planned to seek the Deathly Hallows together.

The mention of the Ertstag serves as a crucial piece of historical foreshadowing in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. For Harry, it is one of the first concrete, albeit confusing, clues that complicates his idealized image of Albus Dumbledore. It links Dumbledore directly to Grindelwald's dark ideology at a young age. This information, discovered by Harry, is later exploited by tabloid journalist Rita Skeeter in her scandalous biography, The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore. The term provides a tangible name for Grindelwald's movement, adding a layer of historical authenticity and menace to the backstory of the wizard who terrorized Europe decades before the rise of Lord Voldemort.

“Ertstag” is not a real German festival. The name is likely derived from the German words “Erster Tag,” which translates to “First Day.” This etymology strongly supports the interpretation of the Ertstag as the symbolic beginning of Grindelwald's new world order, a “Day One” for his revolution.